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Burns & Gambo

Arizona sisters to open state's first winery-brewery combo

A field of hops at Arizona Hops and Vines in Sonoita, Ariz. is shown. (Photo: Arizona Hops and Vines)

PHOENIX -- Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation last week that allows operation of a brewery and winery on the same land and a pair of Arizona sisters will be the first to take advantage.

Megan Haller and Shannon Zouzoulas of Arizona Hops and Vines in Sonoita, Ariz. were the first to commercially grow hops in the state for beer and now will be the first to run a combo brewery-winery.

"I've had four people contact me that are opening breweries or wineries and wanted to do both," said Zouzoulas. "They're all excited. We're moving forward and driving this industry."

Zouzoulas said their first beer, an India Pale Ale, will be called "The Shooter" in honor of Sen. Don Shooter, who helped push legislation through that helped end the restriction on running a brewery and winery together.

"We're applying for the license which should take about 120 days to approve, so we're looking at fall to start brewing operations."

About the Author

Have covered some of the biggest stories in Arizona including nine of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history. The Wallow Fire in 2011 became the largest fire in state history. Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002, which is the second largest fire in Arizona. Covered the Yarnell Hill Tragedy in June 2013 that left 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots dead.

Favorite movies: True Grit, both 1969 John Wayne classic and the remake with Jeff Bridges and Lonesome Dove.

Sports Teams: Washington State University Cougars, Texas Longhorns, The University of Montana Grizzlies.